Martha Stewart, known as a home decor icon and a friend of rapper Snoop Dogg, has had a diverse career, including working as a stockbroker and a model. These experiences likely contributed to her wealth, which once exceeded $1 billion when her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, went public. However, her fortune significantly decreased following her imprisonment, changes in licensing strategies, and new projects.
Her story is detailed in the recent Netflix documentary “Martha.” According to Forbes, her wealth peaked during her incarceration after she was convicted in 2002 of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making false statements in a case involving insider trading. Currently, Forbes estimates her net worth at $550 million, while CelebrityNetWorth places it at $440 million.
In comparison, her industry peers have higher net worths: Oprah Winfrey at $2.8 billion, Ellen DeGeneres at $380 million, and Rachael Ray at $100 million. Before gaining fame, Stewart worked as a model but noted she never made magazine covers, as she married young and set aside her career.
Stewart transitioned to being a stockbroker in 1967, following her father’s footsteps, and later ventured into catering with partner Norma Collier. Her first cookbook, “Entertaining,” published in 1982, marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a household name. By 2024, she had published an impressive 100 books.
In 1990, she launched “Martha Stewart Living,” which paved the way for her successful television show. However, her career faced challenges after her conviction for insider trading, leading to her resignation from the boards of the New York Stock Exchange and her own company. She maintains that she did not commit a crime and believes the situation arose from her success.
Despite setbacks, Stewart’s business continues to thrive, partnering with major retailers like Home Depot and Walmart for home goods and crafts. She aims to establish her own stores and is involved in television projects, including coverage at the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside Snoop Dogg. Her wealth is also bolstered by a substantial real estate portfolio, including a $15.2 million estate in Katonah, New York, along with properties in Sea Harbor, Manhattan, and East Hampton.
